Research Objective: The mining industry is one of the major drivers of the global economy and occupies a primary position in the supply chain of resources required by many industries. Mines can be considered one of the key factors for achieving a promising future. The role of mining and mineral industries in national economies can also contribute to achieving the goals of global sustainable development. Although the development of mineral resources is an important factor for economic growth, if carried out through accurate and systematic planning, it can also act as a driver of economic development at both national and provincial levels. Since the objective of the present research is to prepare a strategic development document for metallic mines and downstream industries of the province with an emphasis on challenges, barriers, and solutions, this study aims to identify the key strategies of the mining sector through a field‑survey study using expert opinions and structured questionnaires. Research Method: This research was conducted as a field survey using expert and specialist opinions along with designed questionnaires to identify the main strategies of the mining sector. In the qualitative part of the study, thematic analysis was applied to analyze the conducted interviews. Moreover, SWOT analysis along with PESTEL tools and the EFE and IFE matrices were used to analyze development strategies for metallic mines and downstream industries in the province. Findings: The results obtained from identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats indicate that in the field of metallic mines and downstream industries, 16 strengths, 24 weaknesses, 18 threats, and 10 opportunities were identified. Considering that the score of the Internal Factors Evaluation (IFE) matrix was 2.43 and the External Factors Evaluation (EFE) matrix score was 2.67, the intersection of these two scores indicates that a conservative strategy is the main and overall strategy for the provincial mining sector. Conclusion: Since the overall strategy of the mining sector has been identified as conservative, it is recommended that the metallic mining and downstream industries in the province utilize existing opportunities to compensate for internal weaknesses. Given the richness of East Azerbaijan Province in high‑tonnage porphyry‑type deposits and the absence of a smelting plant in the province, attracting domestic and foreign investors to establish a smelting plant for active mines in the province (such as Sungun and Anjerd) and similar deposits is suggested. Ethical Considerations: This project was conducted by the Research Institute for Development and Planning using expert opinions, and no interference in the results occurred.

SWOT Analysis Strategic Document Downstream Industries Metallic Mines Barriers and Challenges